Elevation 6,716 ft (2,047 m) | Country United States of America | |
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Borders on Sierra Pelona Mountains and Sierra Madre Mountains Similar Hines Peak, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, San Emigdio Mountains, Piedra Blanca Trailhead, Cobblestone Mountain | ||
The Topatopa Mountains are a mountain range in Ventura County, California, north of Ojai, Santa Paula, and Fillmore. They are part of the Transverse Ranges of Southern California.
Contents
- Map of Topatopa Mountains California 93060 USA
- Geography
- Natural history
- Highest peaks
- Adjacent Transverse Ranges
- References
Map of Topatopa Mountains, California 93060, USA
Geography
The Topatopa Mountains lie in an east-west direction east of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and west of the Sierra Pelona Mountains. To the south lies the Santa Clara River Valley into which various creeks drain starting in the mountains into the Santa Clara River. The range reaches an elevation of 6,716 feet (2,047 m) at Hines Peak, about six miles north of Thomas Aquinas College. Snow frequently falls on the high peaks during winter.
Lake Piru is the only major reservoir located within the mountains.
Natural history
The Topatopa Mountains are within the southern Los Padres National Forest. The Sespe Wilderness Area, and the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, are primarily within the Topatopa Mountains and foothills. They are part of the home range of the endangered California condor.
The habitat is of the California montane chaparral and woodlands ecoregion. Sespe Creek flows through the range, creating Sespe Gorge, with Riparian habitats of willows and woodlands.